"Last summer, I was fat, frumpy and unfit. After travelling around the world, I had returned to the UK weighing 12 stone 10 pounds! I had sampled too many tasty delights that different countries had to offer and consequently I had put on nearly 3 stone in one year!
 
When I joined a gym at the end of August, I also had high blood pressure and got out of breath just going up a flight of stairs. I had lost 9lbs by myself but I lost motivation. I was fed up and miserable with myself, something had to change! Joining the gym was really my first step towards my new lifestyle. I was determined to lose the weight and ready to give it my all. I came to the gym three times a week. I slowly began to change shape but the weight was slow to shed.
 
In January two important things happened I joined Weight-watchers and Susan became my personal trainer. By combining both diet and exercise over the last 6 months I have been impressed with the results.
 
It has not been easy; there has been no magic formula! I have had to build the gym into my daily routine! I came to the gym on my way home from work three or four times a week and I train with Susan to "kick my ass" once a week! I look forward to my training sessions with Susan as she listens carefully to what I want to achieve and by giving me monthly body composition assessments, she checks that my goals are realistic and safe while giving me positive progress reports. She pushes me to my limits, surprising me at what I can achieve. The weight is gradually falling off and my stamina, strength and fitness have improved beyond my wildest hopes. Last year, I never ever thought I would be able to run 4 miles in 40 minutes or leg press 151kg (over 22 stone!!)
 
This has been no glamour story, just copious amounts of my sweat, determination, effort and a very red, hot face. Susan has increased the weights and repetitions regularly on my program so there is no comfort zone for me! She has shown me a wide variety of different exercises so I don't get bored and given me written programs to follow when I exercise alone. Susan's professionalism and brilliant personality has been a huge factor in encouraging me to stay motivated and focused. She never makes me do anything I feel uncomfortable with but be warned she will squeeze that extra ounce of effort out of you, even if you think you have nothing left to give! A year on, since joining the gym my blood pressure is normal, my heart is stronger. I'm slimmer, happier, less stressed and more self-confident! I was a flabby size 16 with a 38EE bust NOW I'm size 12 with a toned, firmer body!"
 
- Sally
 

 
SUSAN
Personal trainer and slave master
Her laugh's so loud the gym could fall down
She never lets up when you do your push ups
Get on your bikes 20 miles tonight
Then some rowing and boxing
Should be just right
With sweat pouring off you,
And you want to sit down
What does she do, brings the caffeine round
Before you have drank it she starts to yell
Just like a sargent from hell
Come on you weaklings lets start again
She never lets up oh God what a pain
Ladies if you want firm muscles
And a bust like Miss Monroe
Then do as you're told
Or out comes the whip and you'll do a hundred skips, HA HA.
 
What do you do with a trainer like this
I know! Send her to the rubbish tip.
To round up this ditty,
We both want to say,
You're the best personal trainer by far
Thank you Susan, HA HA
 
- Bev and Jackie